NRL 2020: New crusher tackle charge added to judiciary procedure after concerns grow
Melbourne Storm was confident it would beat Jesse Bromwich’s hip-tackle suspension as the NRL declared its intention to crush the spate of crusher tackles by introducing a new charge to the game’s judiciary code of procedure.
NRL
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The NRL has formally introduced powerful new crusher tackle penalties to end “the real potential for catastrophic consequences.”
NRL head of football Graham Annesley has introduced a new “crusher tackle” charge to the game’s judiciary code of procedure – a deterrent aimed at eradicating the increasing and concerning crusher tackle epidemic.
“Crusher tackles are dangerous and carry with them the real potential for catastrophic consequences to the tackled player,” Annesley said.
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News Corp Australia has obtained an NRL email sent to all clubs on Tuesday afternoon which claimed rugby league had “seen a 50 per cent increase in crusher charges this season in comparison to the full 2019 season.”
Fearing a serious neck or spinal injury, Annesley personally took his concerns directly to the ARL Commission.
The letter to clubs reads: “The ARLC and management believe the charge of ‘Dangerous Contact - Head/Neck’ does not carry enough demerit points at the lower end, and is not a strong enough deterrent to reduce this type of tackle.
“Currently, a player with a clean judiciary record who is charged with a grade one offence for a crusher type tackle can avoid suspension by taking the early plea.”
Meanwhile, Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has called for greater “consistency” around the adjudication of the “so-called” hip-drop tackle after being disappointed to lose Jesse Bromwich for one match.
Bromwich was found guilty of his dangerous contact charge in an incident with Sydney Roosters winger Matt Ikuvalu and will miss Thursday night’s clash against Parramatta.
“You don’t really go to the judiciary unless you think you’re a good chance of getting off and obviously that never happened,” Bellamy said.
“We were disappointed with the result, to be quite honest, I won’t say too much, but at the end of the day I just like to see a bit more consistency with that so-called tackle.
“That’s about all I’ll say... if you take Jesse’s example last night hopefully the rest of the year we will.”
A grade one crusher tackle charge now carries a 200 point penalty (two matches), grade two increases to 350 points while grade three is a whopping 500 points – the equivalent of a five match suspension. An early plea for a grade one will now ensure a suspension.
“The RLPA has been consulted and is supportive of the changes in conjunction with further data analysis and education programs for players and coaching staff, particularly during the upcoming off-season,” the email reads.
“Can you please ensure all relevant personnel in your football departments are made aware of these changes prior to the commencement of round 15 on Thursday night.”
The NRL later issued a media statement confirming the beefed-up suspensions.
Annesley revealed there had been 18 dangerous contact – Head/Neck charges for crusher-style tackles this season – many charged players though avoiding suspension.
“We have seen a concerning increase in the crusher-type tackles in recent years and the Commission has approved stronger deterrents to reverse this trend,” Annesley said.
“Despite the charges and warnings previously imposed, we have not seen a decline in offences, so it has become clear that the penalties we had in place were not sufficient.
“While we never want to see players suspended and would much prefer the offences do not occur, we have a responsibility to strike the right balance between deterrence and punishment. This is a serious player safety issue and the changes are supported by the Rugby League Players Association.”
RLPA Chief Executive Clint Newton was quick to support the penalties.
“It is important that we continue to raise awareness across the playing group about the potential consequences of crusher style tackles,” Newton said.
“We are supportive of the proposal as we believe it will help in achieving this, however any change endorsed by the commission should also be supported by further data analysis and education programs for players and coaching staff.”